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How Can Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging Boost Your Health?

How Can Positive Self-Perceptions of Aging Boost Your Health?
Embodied positive and negative age stereotypes Positive and negative age-related stereotypes held by older people predict beneficial and detrimental effects on health and well-being, respectively. Becca Levy’s research over the past two decades led to a theory of stereotype embodiment. According to Levy, stereotypes from the surrounding culture become embodied when individuals accept the stereotypes…
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The Broad Reach of Ageism and Its Adverse Effects

The Broad Reach of Ageism and Its Adverse Effects
What is ageism? Ageism refers to stereotype, prejudice and discrimination against people based on their age. Unlike racial or sexual stereotypes that are typically frowned upon, ageism is socially condoned and institutionalized in the US and other countries. The combination of negative age-related stereotypes and discrimination can make ageism a chronic stressor for older people.…
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How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?

How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?
Current guidelines may be too high The relationships between alcohol consumption and aspects of health are sometimes controversial. In fact, many longitudinal studies show that low to moderate alcohol intake predicts reduced risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease. Governmental agencies and other organizations recommend upper limits for weekly or daily alcohol consumption. Recent studies…
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Benefits of Informal Helping

Benefits of Informal Helping
Who benefits from informal helping? Given the rising proportion of older people in the US and the documented health benefits of social support, one might think that providing social support to older people would be a sensible way to extend their life span. But might the benefit of social support arise primarily from giving rather…
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